The fabric of American society has long been woven with threads of generosity and community support. Nonprofit organizations are a testament to this spirit, tracing their roots back to the era before the United States even existed. Early settlers, facing the challenges of a new world, came together to form charitable and voluntary associations, addressing societal needs through schools, churches, and fraternal societies. This tradition of giving and mutual aid was eloquently captured by Alexis de Tocqueville in 1840 when he observed the sincere sacrifices Americans made for the common good and their readiness to support one another in times of need.
“I have seen Americans making great and sincere sacrifices for the key common good and a hundred times I have noticed that, when needs be, they almost always gave each other faithful support”
-Alexis de Tocqueville 1840
As we embark on a timeline journey, it’s crucial to understand how the legal landscape of charitable giving and tax-exempt status evolved:
1917: The Dawn of Legal Recognition
The concept of tax-exempt organizations received a significant boost with the Revenue Act of 1917. Amidst the financial demands of World War I, this legislation introduced an individual income tax deduction for contributions to tax-exempt charitable organizations. The aim was clear: to encourage charitable giving at a time when every penny counted towards the war effort.
1918: Extending the Generosity
A year later, the Revenue Act of 1918 expanded the scope of giving, allowing charitable bequests to be deducted on estate tax returns. This move further ingrained the culture of philanthropy in the American ethos.
1936: Corporations Join the Fray
The Revenue Act of 1936 marked another milestone, extending the privilege of charitable deductions to corporations. This inclusion recognized the potential for businesses to significantly impact social welfare through their contributions.
The government’s rationale behind these tax incentives is rooted in a belief that nonprofit organizations are pillars of society. They deliver essential services, foster social welfare, and champion various causes. By offering tax breaks for donations, the government incentivizes individuals and corporations alike, bolstering the resources and impact of these organizations.
To summarize, the history of the tax-exempt sector in the U.S. is marked by incremental yet impactful legislation. From the early formations of charitable associations to the codification of their tax-exempt status, the sector has grown exponentially. The number of 501(c)(3) public charities and private foundations has skyrocketed, along with their financial assets, revenues, and giving capacity. The IRS has meticulously tracked this growth since 1985, providing a window into the financial trends that have shaped the nonprofit landscape.
- The number of 501(c)(3) public charities grew dramatically from 335,000 in 1985 to 933,000 in 2004. Their assets, revenues and expenses also increased substantially over this period.
- The number of private foundations more than doubled between 1985-2004, while their assets more than tripled. Giving by foundations, as measured by grants paid, also more than tripled during this timeframe.
- Unrelated business income of exempt organizations increased overall between 1990-2004, though with some periods of decline. The associated unrelated business income tax collected rose from $99 million in 1990 to $365 million in 2004.
- The Statistics of Income division of the IRS has collected and published data from information and tax returns filed by tax-exempt organizations since 1985, enabling analysis of historical financial trends in the tax-exempt sector.
The journey of nonprofits in America is a narrative of collective action and societal progress. It is a history that continues to unfold, with each era bringing new challenges and opportunities for the sector to serve and uplift communities across the nation.
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